Couch



May 7, 1940. 2,200,052

J. W. BOWERSOX coucn Filed Feb. 3. 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ira/en 2 Jose viz Wfiowersox y 7, JQ w. BOWERSOX 2.200.052

COUCH Filed Feb. 3, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet;

55 28 59 59 1 .Zhvenfor gmeph 14550306115000 1 Y J. w. BowE Rsox COUCH Filed Feb. s. 1936 May 7,- 1940.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 l-f osepk Wfiowensooc 5 m who 63%;? W

May 7, 1940.

J. w. BOWERSOX 2,200,052

COUCH Filed Feb. 3, 19156 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented May 7, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COUCH.

Joseph W. Bowersox, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Application February 3,

14 Claims.

'I'he'present invention relates to improvements in couches, and has particular reference to a new and improved couch of the studio or sofa bed type in which a plurality of bed or spring units are adapted to be nested in superimposed relation to afford seating facilities, or to be separated to provide extra sleeping accommodations.

' One of the objects of the present invention is 10 to provide a new and improved twin studio couch in which the upper bed unit is movable outwardly off of the lower unit.

A more specific object is to provide a new and improved twin studio couch in which either or 1 both bedunits may be fully withdrawn from the couch frame into the open, and in which both units may be separated from the frame and from each other for movement into different locations in the room.

Various objects reside in the provision of one or more of the following, to wit: Novel means for guiding and. supporting the units in their sliding movements, means for locking the units to the couch frame and to each other in super- 25 imposed relation, novel releasable means for effecting the successive movement of both units by a pull or push on the upper unit, rear legs on the upper unit automatically collapsible or extensible in response to movement of the upper 30 unit into or out of retracted position, and a depending apron on the upper unit for concealing the lower unit without an external break.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds. 35 Figure 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a couch embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 isa fragmentary transverse sectional view of the couch shown in Fig. 1 taken along 40 line 22' of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 44 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the frame construction of the couch.

Fig. '5 is a fragmentary View of a couch similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3 but with a modified leg construction.

5" 'LFig', .6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a modified form of couch.

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view of l themodified form of couch taken substantially along line l,--'I of Fig. 6.

Fig. .8.i's a fragmentary sectional. view on an enlarged scale, and taken substantially along line 8-8 of Fig; 6.

. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the couch illustrated in Fig. 6, and illustrating the 60' upper .unit in withdrawn position.

1936, Serial No. 62,122

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view of a detail.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the two units in withdrawn position.

Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of another modified form of the invention. 0

Fig.- 13 is a transverse sectional view of the last mentioned form of couch taken substantially along line [3-43 of Fig. 12 and illustrating the upper unit in withdrawn position.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary detail sectional View taken substantially along line I l-I4 of Fig. 13. While theinvention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I have'shown in the drawings and will herein describe in'detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings, the couch constituting the exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises an upholstered frame having a back section I and end or arm sections 2 and 3, and two bed or spring units 4 and 5 normally positioned in superimposed relation adjacent the back section to provide a seat, thereby simulating a davenport or sofa inappearance.

Thecouch frame-preferably is sectional, the back and end sections l to 3 being constructed and upholstered separately, and then assembled and secured together in proper relationship to the spring unit or units. The sectional construction is advantageous in that it facilitates upholstering, and thereafter affords convenient portability.

Each of the end sections 2 and 3 comprises a rigid internal frame structure 6 (see Fig. 5) which may be built of any suitable material such as wood, and which has a rear upright member I "and a horizontal transverse member 8, and is supported'on front and rear legs 9 and 0. The structure 6 may be padded, and is covered with a suitable upholstering material. In assembly, the end sections 2 and 3 are rigidly connected at their lower rear corner portions by a horizontal rear cross bar 12. Preferably, the ends of the bar l2 are rigidly secured to the rear ends of the two members 8 by means of vertical angle irons l3 removably screwed or bolted in position. ".Theback section i similarly has a rigid internal frame structure I4 with upright end members l5 which is coveredwith an upholstering material [6 enclosing a suitable padding H. In assembly, the back section I is partially positioned between the upper rear corner portions of. the end sections 2 and 3, and. rigidly secured thereto by'meansofvertical angle irons [8 re-.

movably screwed or bolted in position. The outer fabric of the covering material l6 on the rear of the back section I may be extended downwardly, and wrapped about and attached to the cross bar I2 to cover the latter and to close the rear lower portion of the couch frame.

The angle irons i3 and I8 may be secured respectively to the rear end of the cross member 8,.

and the upper end of the upright member 1 before the frame structures 6 are completely upholstered. In assembling the couch frame, the readily portable and fully upholstered end sections 2 and 3 are connected by merely securing the angle irons I3 and I8 respectively to the cross bar i2 and the end members I5. Theupholstering of the portable back section I is substantially complete before assembly, the rear seams at the ends only being partially unfinished to permit insertion of the projecting legs of the angle irons 18. After the sections are rigidly connected as described, the junctures at the unfinished seams may be completed, and the material [6 may be attached to the cross bar l2. As a result, the angle irons l3 and I8 arefully covered.

While I have illustrated one manner of connecting the frame sections I to 3, it is to be understood that any suitable means for this purpose may be provided. Where added rigidity is desired, the end sections 2 and 3 may also be connected at the front by a front cross bar l9. In Figs. 1 to 5, the cross bar I9 is shown in the form of a long horizontal angle iron which extends in elevated relation to the floor, and which is rigidly connected at opposite ends by means of gooseneck or U-shaped strips 20 and 2| to the front ends of the transverse members 8.

More particularly, the ends of the bar l9 are bolted to the undersides of two horizontal projections 22 which are formed by bending the upper end portions of the adjacent legs of the strips 20 and 2| laterally. The neck portions of the strips 20 and 2| rest on the floor, and are rounded at the top, as indicated at 23. To obtain still greater rigidity, two intermediate strips 24 are connectedvto the ends of the cross bars l2 and I9, and extend transversely of the couch frame. The strips 24 also serve to guide the unit 5.

The upper bed or spring. unit 4 comprises a rectangular upholstered horizontal frame; structure 25 which is adapted to fit closely between the end sections 2 and 3 and to projectbeneath the back section I, and which is adapted to: sup-- port a removable seat cushion 26 substantially coextensive in size therewith.

One of the primary features of the present invention resides in so constructing the upper unit 4 that it can be pulled horizontally from between the frame end sections 2 and 3, and-01f of the lower unit 5. To this end, the frame structure 25 is unattached to the main frame, and has four depending fixed corner legs 21 supported on rollers or casters 28. In the retracted position of the upper unit 4, the rear legs 21 are located closely adjacent the rear cross member l2 and the front legs 21 are located just outside the neck portions 23 of the strips 20 and 2|. These neck portions present no serious obstacle to outward withdrawal of the upper unit 4, for example, into the position shown in Fig. 2.

Releasable lost motion means interconnecting the units 4 and 5 is provided for limiting the extent to which the upper unit 4 can be withdrawnindependently of the lower unit 5. In the preferred. form of Figs. 1 to. 5, this-means comprises a fixed transverse guide bar 29 rigidly connected to one of the rear legs 21 and having a pin and slot connection 30 with a slidable latch.

tions, and then will restrain the upper unit 4 against further relative outward movement. If desired, the projections 32 and pins 33 may be disengaged by a relative lifting movement, as by tilting the upper unit 4 upwardly about the rear casters 28, thereby completely releasing the upper unit 4 from the couch, and permitting movement of. the unit independently into any desired position in the room. As the, upper unit 4 i is returned toward retracted position, the'projections 32 will engage the rear pins 34- to retract the latch bars 3| when the two units attain a superimposed position, the units thereafter moving together to fully retracted position.

Since the upper unit 4 can be withdrawn, it is constructed at the front and ends withan upholstered depending apron 35 which entirely conceals the lower unit 5 when the parts are nested. Heretofore, twin studio couches with relatively slidable bed units have always been constructed with a break between the, units visible at the front, and hence have required accurate fitting and decorations. at the break to avoid unattractiveness in appearance. The present construction not only avoids these objections, but

frame, and when in use requires sleeping between;

the end sections 2 and 3 and immediately next to the back section I. This often interferes with sleeping comfort. It is preferable, therefore, to so construct the lower unit 5, as illustrated in the two forms of Figs. 1 to 11, that it can' also be withdrawn into the open space of the room. Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, the lower unit 5 comprises an upholstered rectangular frame 36 slightly less in length, width and height than the unit 4. The frame 36 comprises asuitable spring. 31 on which the seat cushion 26 is adapted to: be positioned, and has four rigid depending. corner legs 38 supported on casters 39. The front legs 38 are positioned forwardly, and the rear legs 38 rearwardly, of the elevated frontcross member I9. It will be evident that they cross member I9 serves to limit the outward movement. of, the lower unit 5. However, therear legs 38 may be lifted clear of the member I 9' to separate the unit 5 completely from the main frame;

In its forward movement, the lower unit 5 is guided at opposite ends by two. rollers 40 which are mounted onthe projections; 22. for. rotation about vertical axes, and which engage transverse tracks 4| defined by the insides of the ends of the frame 36. Two fixed skids or cam members 42 are provided on the underside of the forward portion of the frame 36 and are adapted for engagement with the upper ends of'the pivots for the ,rollers 40 upon movement of the lower unit 5 into fully retracted position, thereby lift-v ing the front casters 39 slightly off the floor. The forward portion of the upper unit 4. will be lifted and supported by the lower unit 5 when both are in fully retracted position. Hence, the unit assembly will be slightly inclined upwardly and forwardly as illustrated in Fig. 3.

Provision is made for releasably locking the units 4 and 5 together in superimposed relation,

and also for locking these units to the end and back assembly. Thus, two rearwardly extending and downwardly facing hooks 43 are mounted in horizontally spaced relation on the inside of the apron 35 of the unit 4, and are adapted to engage respectively by means of recesses 43 with the top of the lower unit frame 36 to lock the units 4 and 5 together. A similar hook 44, mounted at a lower level on the apron 35 substantially midway of the ends, is adapted to engage a depending loop 45 on the underside of the Cross member IE! to lock the units to the end and back assembly. To release the hooks 43 and 44, it is merely necessary to lift the front of the upper unit 4.

A depending bracket 46 bolted to the rear of the frame 36 closely overlies the cross member 2 so that if the rear of the couch frame is lifted, the units 4 and 5 will also be lifted. Likewise, a bracket 46 extends rearwardly from the apron 35, and is adapted to project under the bar I9 to prevent lifting of the front of the unit 4 substantially more than required to release the hooks 43 and 44 independently of the couch frame.

If the front legs 21 of the unit 4 are arranged to engage the rear descending portions of the rounded stirrup faces 23,, as illustrated in Fig. 5 the unit 4 and hence the unit 5 will be held in retracted position without necessarily employing the hooks 43 and 44 or the skids 42 for elevating the front edges off the floor.

The twin studio couch is very convenient in use. Recapitulating, if a single bed is desired, both units may be withdrawn for use in superimposed relation, or only the upper unit 4 may be withdrawn. Both units can be withdrawn successively merely by continued pulling on the upper unit. When the lower unit 4 is uncovered, two beds are available, and one or both may be positioned out in the open without complete detachment from the main frame. The units may be separated from each other and from the main frame, so that the upper unit or both units may be moved into any desired location in the room.

The modified form of couch illustrated in Figs. 6 to 10 isv generally similar to the form just described, and hence the corresponding parts thereof are identified by the same reference characters. The main points of distinction are that the front cross bar I9 is connected at its ends directly to the end sections 2 and 3 and is elevated from the floor throughout its length, that the rear legs 21 of the upper unit 4 are automatically collapsible to clear the bar l9 when the unit is moved into retracted position, and are automatically extended and releasably locked in position for engagement with the floor when the unit is withdrawn, that the unit is supported by auxiliary means when in retracted position, and

that modified means are provided respectively for guiding the lower unit 5 and releasably connecting the two units.

Referring to Figs 8 to 10, the rear legs. 21 are pivotally mounted at their upper ends to the transverse end members 41 of the frame 25. Bolted to each of the legs 2'! is a rearwardly extending arm 48 which is adapted to engage the underside of the frame 25 when theleg is projected into vertical position, and which is formed in one edge with a V-shaped cam notch 49 positioned generally vertically for engagement with the cross member it when the leg is collapsed. A leaf spring or detent 55 is adapted for re leasable engagement with the arm 48 to hold the leg 27 in upright position when the unit 4 is. withdrawn.

To provide means for supporting the rear portion of the upper 'unit 4 when .the rear legs 21,

are collapsed, two angle iron tracks 5| span, and are connected respectively to the opposite ends of the cross members. It and I9. adjacent the end sections 2 and 3. Suitable rollers 52 mounted in brackets 53 respectively on opposite ends of in collapsed position by engagement of the casters 28 with the tracks 5| in advance of the rollers 52. After the legs 2? have cleared the cross bar I3, and before the rollers 52 have left the tracks 5|, continued movement of the unit 4 will cause the then depending arms 48 to engage the cross member I!) as illustrated in Fig. 8, thereby swinging the legs automatically into vertical position. The legs are held in this position through engagement of the arms-48 with theframe 25, and by the spring detents 55. When the rollers 52 leave the tracks 5|, the casters 28 will engage the fioor as illustrated in'Fig. 9.

In the return movement of the upper unit 4, the rollers 52 move onto the tracks 5|, and then the legs 21 are collapsed through engagement with the cross member l3. Thereafter, the casters 28 and rollers 52 move along the tracks 5| to support the unit 4 during the remaining movement and in the retracted position.

The lower unit 5 is slidable along the floor until the rear legs 38engage the cross member |9. To guide the lower unit 5 in its movements, two rollers 55 are mounted respectively in the extended opposite ends of the rear cross member 56 of the frame 36 for rotation about vertical axes, and engage vertically disposed sections of the angle iron tracks 5| as illustrated in Fig. 11. Also, rollers 40, journaled. on the cross member l9, engage the tracks 4| as in the form of Figs. 1 to 5. Depending angle brackets 51 on the ends of the front portion of the frame 25 are adapted to engage the top of the frame 36 to support the upper unit 4 at the front when in retracted position.

The means for releasably interlocking the units 4 and 5 (see Fig. 11) comprises .two long cross strips 58 and 59 pivotally connected at 60 midway of their ends. The forward endof the strip 58 inside of each end portion of the apron 35.

is pivotally anchored at 6| to the inside of theapron 35, and the rear end has a pin 62 slidable in a longitudinal slot 63 in one end of the front cross member 64 of the frame 36. Of the strip 59, the forward end has a pin 65 slidably engaging a slot 65 in a bar 61 secured to the inside of the apron 35, and the other end has a pin 38 removably inserted in the cross member.

It will be evident that the strips 58 and 59 will permit the unit 4 to be moved off the unit 5, and thereafter will provide a connection therebetween so that continued movement of the upper unit will drag the lower unit into the open. The units can be separated by lifting the pins 62 and 68 out of engagement with the cross member 64.

Apart from the differences in construction and operation just described, the form of Figs. 6 to 11, is operable in the same way and has the same general advantages as the form of Figs. 1 to 5.

In the third modified form illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14, the back and end sections I to 3 of the frame, although sectional, are not upholstered, but are made of metal and securely bolted together, and the lower unit 5 is rigidly attached.

The unit 5 comprises a spring frame 69 which rests directly on the floor, and which is shorter than the back section I to define end channels or spaces 'lll adapted to receive the fixed rear legs 21 of the movable upper unit 4. Suitable U-shaped strips H at the front and horizontal ties 12 at the rear are provided to connect the ends of the frame 69 to the end members 2 and 3. The front legs 2'! are spaced from the ends of the unit 4 for engagement with the front of the frame 69 when the units are nested.

To limit outward movement of the unit 4, a rearwardly extending bar 73 is slidably confined by means of a .pin 14 and slot 85 against the The rear end of each bar 13 is formed with a laterally extending lug 76 adapted to hook back of a pin H in the associated end of the frame 69. The connection is disengageable by lifting or tilting the unit 4.

Other parts are identified by the same reference characters as corresponding parts in Figs.

I claim as my invention:

1. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a back rest and arm rests at the ends, an elevated cross bar at the front, two stirrups connecting the ends of said bar respectively to said arm rests and having neck portions with rounded faces on the top and resting on the floor, a lower horizontally slidable bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm rests to define clearance channels and having front legs disposed forwardly of said bar and rear legs disposed rearwardly of said bar and adapted for engagement with said bar to limit forward movement of said unit, rollers on the ends of said bar for engaging the ends of said unit to guide the latter, an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over said lower unit and having end legs projecting in and movable along said clearance channels, casters on the front legs of said upper unit engageable with the rear areas of said faces of said neck portions to hold said upper unit in retracted position, and releasable lost-motion means goperatively connecting said units to effect successive withdrawal of said units from between said arm rests by pulling on said upper unit.

2. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a back rest and arm rests at the ends, an

elevated cross bar at thefront, two stirrups con. necting the ends of said bar respectively to said arm rests and having neck portions resting on the floor, a lower horizontally slidable bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm rests to define clearance channels and having front legs disposed forwardly of said bar and rear legs disposed rearwardly of said bar and adapted for engagement with said bar to limit forward movement of said unit, rollers onthe ends of said bar for engaging the ends of said unit to guide the latter, and an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over said lower unit and having end legs projecting in and movable along said clearance spaces.

3. A conch comprising, in combination, a frame having a back rest and arm rests at the ends, an elevated cross bar at the front, two; stirrups connecting the ends of said bar respectively tosaid arm rests and having neck portions resting on the floor, a lower horizontally slidable bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm' rests to define clearance channels and having front legs disposed forwardly of said bar and rear legs disposed rearwardly of said bar and adapted for engagement with said bar to limit forward movement the floor, a lower bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm rests to define clearance channels in line with said stirrups, and an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over said lower unit and having end legs projecting inand movable along said clearance channels and over said neck portions.

5. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a back rest and arm rests at the ends, an elevated cross bar at the front, two stirrups connecting the ends of said bar respectively to said arm rests and having neck portions resting on the floor, a lower horizontally slidable bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm rests to .de fine clearance channels and having front legs disposed forwardly of said bar and rear legs disposed rearwardly of said bar and adapted for engagement with said bar to limit forward move? ment of said unit, rollers on the ends of said bar for engaging the ends of said unit to guide the latter, an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over saidlower unit and having end legs projecting in and movable along said clearance channels, lost-motion means operatively connecting said units topermit relative movement therebetween to an extent sufiicient to uncover said lower unit, and cam means for lifting the front of said lower unit off the floor upon movement into fully retracted position, the front of said upper unit upon movement into fully retracted position being lifted and supported by said lower unit.

6. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having an elevated horizontal front cross member, a lower bed unit in said frame, an upper bed unit transversely movable horizontally into and out of retracted position within said frame over said lower bed unit, said upper unit having rear legs automatically collapsible through engagement with said cross member upon movement of said upper unit into retracted position, and automatically extensible through engagement with said cross member upon withdrawal of said upper unit out of retracted position.

'7. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having an elevated horizontal front cross member, a bed unit transversely movable horizontally into and out of retracted position within said frame, said unit having rear legs automatically collapsible through engagement with said cross member upon movement of said unit into retracted position, and automatically extensible through engagement with said cross member upon withdrawal of said unit out of retracted position, and track means in said frame for guiding and supporting the rear of said unit when said rear legs are collapsed.

8. In a couch in combination with a frame, a unit movable transversely into and out of said frame, a leg pivotal on saidunit and movable through positive engagement with said frame into a collapsed condition upon movement of said unit in one direction, and cam means on said leg coacting positively with said frame to move said leg into an extended upright condition upon movement of said unit in the reverse direction.

9. In a couch in combination with a frame, a unit movable transversely into and out of said frame, a front vertical leg on said unit, a pivotal rear leg on said unit movable through engagement with said frame into a collapsed condi tion upon movement of said unit into said frame, means on said rear leg coating with said frame to move said rear leg into an extended upright condition upon movement of said unit out of said frame, a horizontal track in said frame, and means on said unit adjacent said rear leg for riding on said track to support said unit when said rear leg is in collapsed condition.

10. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a longitudinal back rest and transverse arm rests at the ends, an elevated longitudinal cross member connected to said frame at the front, two transverse track members connected to said frame at the ends adjacent to said arm rests and each having a horizontal way and a vertical way, the rear end portion of each horizontal way having a locating depression, a lower horizontally slidable bed unit movable transversely between said arm rests and having rear legs disposed rearwardly of said member and adapted for engagement with said member to limit forward movement of said unit, rollers on said member for engaging the ends of said unit to guide the latter, rollers on the ends of the rear portion of said unit engaging said vertical ways, an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over said lower unit and having front legs disposed forwardly of said member and folding rear legs movable past said member, transverse cam arms on said rear legs, said rear legs being collapsible upon engagement with the front of said member to permit rearward movement of said upper unit and to position said arms rearwardly of said member and said arms being engageable with said member to extend said rear legs in front of said member upon forward movement of said upper unit, and rollers mounted on the ends of the rear portion of said upper unit for engagement with said horizontal ways to support said upper unit when said rear legs are collapsed and being movable into said depressions to hold said upper unit in retracted position.

11. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a longitudinal back rest and transverse arm rests at the ends, an elevated longitudinal cross member connected to said frame at the front, two transverse track members connected to said frame at the ends adjacent said arm rests and each having a horizontal way, the rear end portion of each horizontal way having a locating depression, a horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and having front legs disposed forwardly of said member and folding rear legs movable past said member, said rear legs being collapsible upon engagement with the front of said member to permit rearward movement of said unit and being engageable with said member to extend said rear legs vertically in front of said member upon forward movement of said unit, and means on the ends of the rear portion of said unit adapted to engage said horizontal ways to support said unit when said rear legs are collapsed and movable into said depressions to hold said unit in retracted position.

12. In a couch in combination with a frame, a unit movable transversely into and out of said frame, a leg mounted on said unit for movement alternatively into an upright extended position and a collapsed generally horizontal position, de

tent means for releasa'bly holding said leg in extended position, and a portion of said frame being located adjacent the path of movement of said unit in one direction in position to engage said leg when the latter is extended to release it from said detent and positively thrust it into collapsed position as an incident to such unit movement.

13. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a back rest and arm rests at the ends, a reenforcing framework at the front rigidly connected at its respective ends to the front portions of said arm rests,'said reenforcing framework having end portions resting on the floor, a lower bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm rests to define clearance channels in line with said end portions of said framework, and an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over said lower unit and having end legs projecting in and movable along said clearance channels and over said end portions of said reenforcing framework.

14. A couch comprising, in combination, a frame having a back rest and arm rests at the ends, a cross bar at the front, two metal strap members connecting the ends of said bar respectively to said arm rests and having portions resting on the floor, said last named portions having rounded faces on their tops, a lower bed unit spaced at the ends from said arm rests to define clearance channels in line with said portions of said strap members, and an upper horizontally slidable bed unit movable into and out of position between said arm rests and over said lower unit and having legs projecting in and movable along said clearance channels and over said rounded faces of said portions of said strap members.

' JOSEPH W. BOWERSO'X. 

